Analyzing The Best Car Seats â Safety And Peace Of Mind

As a parent, you will understandably be concerned about your childâs safety at all times. Even when your precious offspring rests comfortably in their bed, your mind will never shut off and youâll worry all night long. Unfortunately, there are many environments, which are substantially more dangerous. This includes your vehicle. It is nearly impossible to succeed in life without a reliable vehicle, but car and trucks are undeniably dangerous. Providing your child with one of the highest rated car seats is recommended. Within this guide, youâll learn about child car seats, different brands, and comprehensive car seat reviews.

Different Types Of Car Seats

Once youâve begun to scour through the marketâs assortment of car seats, youâll find that there are many options to choose from and each specific model is unique in various ways. In total, there are five main types of car seats. For your consideration, each will be examined in greater depth below.

All-In-One Car Seats

As the name implies, an all-in-one car seat delivers immense versatility and can be utilized in various ways. The mass majority of these seats will be compatible as a rear and forward facing seat. Although it will depend on the specific model in question, many all-in-one seats will be able to accommodate children ranging in weight from 4 pounds to 120 pounds. These seats are undoubtedly the most cost-effective, since they can be used for the majority of the childâs infancy.

Once the child has outgrown the forward and backwards facing positions, the seat can accommodate their size as a booster seat and a backless booster seat. All-in-one car seats tend to amongst the top rated car seats, but theyâre fairly expensive. Nonetheless, their versatility makes them well worth the cost.

Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats are very similar to the aforementioned models. They can be utilized from the childâs birth, until theyâre ready to begin wearing the vehicleâs seat belt. It goes without saying that convertible car seats tend to be a much better investment than purchasing two or three separate seats to accommodate your childâs growth. Although these seats are very advantageous, theyâre not flawless. Due to their design, shape, and bulkiness, most have limited portability. Theyâre not very portable and cannot be utilized as an infant carrier.

Baby Car Seats

Baby car seats, or infant seats, are specifically designed for the youngest babies. Typically, theyâre capable of supporting children from birth, until they reach 2 years old. These seats are always positioned in the backward facing manner. They cannot be turned around and will need to be replaced once your child is ready for an upgrade. Depending on your childâs size and their growth rate, one of these seats can potentially be used for a period of six to twenty-four months.

Despite the restrictions, these are still recommended car seats, because they protect the child and can double as a baby carrier. This makes transportation much easier, more convenient and undeniably safer. Just remember that not all baby car seats will also work as a carrier. If this is something that is desired, youâll need to make sure your seat of choice possesses this feature.

Toddler Car Seats

Toddler seats are generally designed for older children. While the specifications and capabilities will depend solely on the seat in question, many will be suitable for children ranging in weight from 22 pounds to 100 pounds. Some are also capable of working as a harnessed booster and a seat-positioning booster. When taking the time to examine a car seat comparison regarding toddler seats and others, youâll find that the toddler seat is fairly restrictive.

Booster Seats

Finally, the booster seat is specifically designed to be used in the forward-facing position. Depending on the model selection, it is generally recommended to switch to the booster seat when your child hits the 30 or 40-pound mark. Thankfully, booster seats are fairly versatile and will be able to support your child, until he or she weighs approximately 80 pounds. Just remember that the laws regarding children and booster seats tend to deviate from state to state.

Best Car Seat Brands

There are various things to take into consideration when attempting to purchase a car seat. One thing that is often overlooked is the brand or manufacturer. In order to ensure your child receives the most safety and comfort possible, it is essential to only purchase a seat from a reputable brand. Be cautious of companies, which have been forced to recall their seats repeatedly in the past. Below, youâll learn about some of the top car seat brands.

Graco

Graco, which started out as a metal producer, was transformed into a juvenile products manufacturer in 1953. From that point forward, the company has been providing parents with the peace of mind they deserve, while providing babies around the world with comfort and safety. Over the years, the companyâs baby seats have won an array of awards, including Editorâs Choice from Baby Talk, Best Bet Booster from the National Institute for Highway Safety, and more.

Suffice to say, you can guarantee that a Graco child seat will provide your child in the event of an accident. And in the meantime, itâll provide him or her with immense comfort.

Britax

Having been in the industry for over 70 years, Britax is one of the longest running manufacturers of child car seats. Many experts and parents have bestowed the title of best car seat brand upon them. Although this is hotly debated, it is undeniably true that the companyâs seats are incredibly reliable and very safe. The company is widely known for many innovative features, including their ClickTight Installation System, SafeCell Impact Protection, and their Side Impact Protection. Together, these features help to ensure your child receives protection on all sides.

EvenFlo

EvenFlo was originally founded in 1920 in Miamisburg, Ohio. The company is well known for their innovative juvenile products and is considered to be one of the most reliable car seat manufacturers. The company is actually owned by Goodbaby International Holdings, which also owns the Exersaucer brand. EvenFlo products are manufactured within Ohio and Tijuana, Mexico. Aside from car seats, they also produce travel systems, play yards, infant carriers, and activity centers.

EvenFlo is highly regarded amongst critics and parents. So, you can maintain your peace of mind, when strapping your baby into one of their car seats.

All In One Car Seats

Once you have a baby, the way you look at things is going to change. You are going to make more careful decisions and take everything into careful consideration. This includes choosing a car seat. Car seats are something that is required by law all states throughout the United States, so buying one is something that you cannot avoid. While there are several different makes and models on the market, you cannot go wrong with the all in one car seat. You should keep in mind that sometimes the all in one car seat is also referred to as three in one car seat.

Notable Features

The all in one car seat gets its name from its usability, since it is serves multiple stages of your childâs life. The seat can be repositioned from the rear-facing to the forward-facing position. The seat can even transform into a booster seat once the child reaches 100 pounds or more. You can easily get 10 years use out of any all in one car seat. A good quality all in one car seat will not only suit your childâs needs, but it will also make your life as a parent much easier. For instance, some of them come equipped with a removable washable seat cover that does not require rethreading of the harness strap. Some will also even include a storage compartment, which will hold harness straps and additional accessories.

All in one car seats really take your childâs comfort into consideration this is why the best ones are equipped with plush inserts to keep your child comfortable and dry throughout even the longest trips. Along with this the headrest can be adjusted to several different positions, so that you will find one to suit your childâs needs.

Average Price Range

When it is all said and done you are going to end up paying more for an all in one car seat, but you have to consider one important fact. The all in one car seat is designed to grow and adapt with your child as he or she grows. The all in one car seat will provide you with 10 years of comfortable use.

Top Pick

After careful studies and research, it has been discovered that the Graco 4ever All-In-One Car Seat, Matrix is the best possible all in one car seat that you can purchase.

The convertible car seat is much more popular than the traditional car seat. The main reason for this high popularity rating is that this model can be positioned rear or forward facing.Â This versatility ensures parents that they can getter a longer service life at of the product. The traditional car seatÂ can only be placed in a rear-facing position, which limits the amount of time that child can use it.

Notable Features

There has been much research put into the child car seat. During this research, each type of car seat is put through rigorous safety testing. It has been determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that all children weighing between 5 and 40 pounds should be placed in a rear-facing car seat. This is actually the safest position for your child to ride and once the child reaches the threshold, parents can reposition the car seat to the forward facing position.

Another very important feature is the harness. While, you will discover that each brand will include a specific safety harness, but the one to look for is the 5-point design. This harness will normally attach at the childâs shoulders, hips, and between their legs. Basically, this design provides full-body support, so the child will remain in the car seat, in the event of an accident. Many brands are now using some type of audio clicking mechanism in their harness design. A clicking noise can be heard, when the harness is securely locked into place.

The installation system is also something that will need to be taken into consideration. Your childâs safety is always going to be your main concern, but more attention will be required for children sitting in a car seat. A suitable installation system will ensure parents that the seat is secure and will not become dislodged, in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

Average Price Range

Now, when you look at the numbers above, you can instantly see why parents prefer the convertible model. If the car seat is restricted to only position, it will limit the time that you can use it. This basically means that you will be forced to invest in multiple car seats throughout your childâs life. Even though you may need to invest a little more money in a convertible model, you will still save some money in the long run.

Top Pick

Our top pick convertible model is the Britax USA Advocate ClickTight car seat. The model is crafted to perfection and meets all of the U.S.A. safety guidelines.

Baby Car Seats

Choosing a car seat for your baby can be a difficult task. This is a product that you are going to need and you will find that there is an unlimited array of brands available on the market. Some offer different features and come with larger price tags, but how do you know a good car seat when you come across one? Below, you will learn about the features of baby car seats and our number one top pick.

Notable Features

A baby car seat will be the first car seat that you purchase once you have a child. These seats can only be installed in the rear-facing position. Most good brands will include a removable carrier that connects to the base, which is installed in the car. This means that you can simply detach the seat and carry your child in the seat. Once you are ready to travel again you can reattach the carrier to the base. These seats are suitable for children that range from 4 to 40 lbs. However, once your child exceeds 40 pounds you are going to need to acquire a new seat.

Most great models of this seat will also come installed with a 5-point harness, which will be adjusted from the front. This harness really makes removing your child much easier than any other type of harness available on the market. The seat should be lightweight to make transportation easy and simple. The best brands are usually equipped with a rotating canopy and leg cover to keep your baby cozy during trips.

Average Price Range

While these seats will vary in price depending on the manufacturer it should be noted that these seats are the least expensive on the market. However, you should keep in mind the seat was not designed to grow and adapt with your child. This means at some point in time you are going to have to replace the seat because your child will outgrow it. Once your child reaches 40 pounds or more it will be too big for the seat.

Top Pick

After careful thought and contemplation our number one pick for the best baby seat is the Graco SnugRide Click Connect Car Seat. The seat has all of the features that was mentioned above plus much more. Along with this, the seat comes with an affordable price tag.

Toddler Car Seats

Toddlers are very active, so keeping them seated in their car seat will be almost impossible. This is not to mention that they are very curious, so they will want to investigate everything that comes into their view. With this being said, it is very important to carefully research the many toddler car seats on the market, before making your final decision. Every part must be studied carefully, because your childâs safety is banking on your decision.

Notable Features

A desirable toddler car seat will be one that can convert from the rear to forward facing position and a high-back booster seat, to the backless booster seat. This will ensure all consumers that they are going to get their moneyâs worth from the car seat. Another very important factor to consider is the weight limit. Most pediatricians recommend keeping your child in the forward facing position until they reach the age of 4. At this time, you can transition the child from the car seat to the high-back booster seat.

An adjustable safety harness system is also a necessity. The correct sitting position is very important not only for comfort, but for safety, as well. If the harness system is not adjustable, it will be virtually useless as your child reaches another milestone in their life. You should be able to adjust the harness per your childâs height and stature.

Average Price Range

Toddler car seats are normally cheaper than other models. Now, this does not mean that you need to compromise on quality or safety, just to save a little money. All car seats must undergo a series of safety testing, so parents can rest assured that their child will be completely safe when riding in their toddler car seat.

Top Pick

Our top pick toddler car seat is the Graco Nautilus 65. This car seat is comprised of premium components that work together to keep all child comfortable, safe, and secure at all times.

Booster Seats

Once your child hits the age of 3, it is time to transfer him or her to a booster seat. Generally, most children should use a booster seat, until they reach the age of 10. This will ensure that the lap belt is positioned in the correct location and this will ultimately improve the beltâs effectiveness and ability to protect your child. Booster seats are compatible with children weighing 30 to 40-pounds and more. As long as you follow these guidelines, your childâs booster seat will enhance their safety.

Features

When it comes down to it, the features possessed by booster seats varies substantially from model to model. However, it is sometimes possible to find booster seats, which are capable of reclining to some degree. This is a good addition, since it will be able to enhance your childâs comfort, without decreasing their safety at all. Also, the mass majority of booster seats come equipped with a removable back. This makes it possible to better accommodate your child, as he or she begins to grow bigger and taller. Backless booster seats are more suitable for older children, so make sure your booster of choice supports this feature.

Youâll also find booster seats, which have latch systems that keep them in place in the event of a collision. This feature is truly a necessity and should be incorporated into any child car seat.

Average Price Range

The prices of booster seats can vary substantially. Depending on your specific needs and desires, youâll find that it is possible to purchase a booster seat for less than hundred bucks, but some of the higher end models can far exceed that amount. It is undeniably true that more expensive models will provide you with additional features and added safety, but some of the lower end models are just as safe as their more expensive counterparts.

Top Pick

After an extensive search and plenty of contemplation, weâve determined that the Clek Oobr Full Back Booster Seat is the best booster on the market. The seat features many additional safety features, which will be sure to protect your child in the event of an accident. The back is removable, so it can be used for younger and older children. The seat also reclines to help make your child comfortable throughout the duration of the trip. Thanks to its versatility and the 9-year expiration, you can guarantee that the Clek Oobr will prove to be well worth its cost!

Best Car Seat Overall:Graco 4Ever All-In-One Car Seat

After examining the marketâs best rated car seats and with extreme contemplation, we came to the definite conclusion that the Graco 4Ever All-In-One Car Seat was by far the best of the best. Is the seat a little more expensive than the other aforementioned seats? Yes, but this is good reasoning behind the price increase. As the seatâs name suggests, the Graco 4Ever can undoubtedly be utilized forever. The seat is the most versatile on the market and is capable of serving your child from birth, until he or she is ready to begin using your vehicleâs seat belt system.

The seat is suitable for children weighing 4 pounds to 120 pounds. Graco also provides parents with reassurance that theyâve made the right choice, by protecting the seat for a duration of one-year, after the purchase has been made. The seat possesses all of the innovative features, which have helped to make Graco car seats so popular. This includes the Side-Impact protection, InRight Latch System, and the Click It feature. The combination helps to guarantee that your child will remain safe and comfortable throughout the duration of the ride. Without a doubt, the Graco 4Ever is one of best car seats on the market and many will rank it was number one.